Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin will visit China starting Sunday and is expected to meet President Xi Jinping — the first Irish head of government to do so in 14 years. The five-day trip will include meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, and a stop in Shanghai. The visit is presented by Beijing as a chance to deepen China–Ireland and China–EU cooperation and comes amid recent trade tensions, including provisional tariffs on some EU dairy products.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin To Visit China — First Irish Leader There In 14 Years
FILE - Micheal Martin, Tanaiste of Ireland and leader of Fianna Fail speaks to the media during a visit to St Seton's Secondary School in Ballyfermot, Dublin, Ireland, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin will travel to China beginning Sunday and is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Saturday. The trip marks the first visit to China by an Irish head of government in 14 years.
Martin's five-day itinerary will include meetings in Beijing with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang — who extended the invitation — as well as talks with Zhao Leji, chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The visit will also include a stop in Shanghai, according to the ministry.
Purpose and Context
The Chinese statement framed the visit as an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation and to help foster stronger China–EU relations. Beijing has recently pursued deeper ties with individual EU members even as broader disputes with the EU continue over tariffs and human rights issues.
Trade tensions provide immediate context: in December, China imposed provisional tariffs of up to 42.7% on certain dairy products — including milk and cheese — imported from the EU. China has also launched probes into European brandy and pork, measures that officials have characterized as countersteps to EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles.
Regional Developments
The announcement coincides with another high-profile visit: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will also be in China beginning Sunday for a four-day trip and is scheduled to meet President Xi. That meeting will be the second between Lee and Xi in roughly two months.
These visits come amid heightened regional tensions. In November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan’s military could become involved if China took action against Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan for two days, which Chinese officials described as a warning to separatists and "external interference." Ahead of his trip, Lee reiterated to China's state broadcaster CCTV that South Korea respects the "One China" policy regarding Taiwan.
The visit by Ireland's leader is primarily diplomatic and economic in focus, but it takes place against this complex backdrop of trade disputes and regional security concerns.
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